Determinatioh Of' Total Arsenic In Streams And Sediments From Obuasx Gold Mines

B A C K G R O U N D

The exploration of natural resources is a means of

enhancing man's standard of living from primitive life to a

more advanced and enjoyable life. However, technological

processes sometimes lead to adverse effects on the environment and human health.

In the extraction of gold from its ore, as is done at

Obuasi goldmines, the roasting process results in the expulsion of poisonous smoke of Brsenic

oxides into the atmosphere. This hae lead to serious defoliation of the vegetation within about five miles from the

stack. Inhabitants in and around the area are reported to

have developed chronic eye inflammation***. Also some of the

effects of this poisonous smoke are inflammation and itching

of the skin, stomach upset, diarrhoea, nausea and loss of

blood. The long term effects include dermatitis, skin and

lung cancer and loss of hair*^*.

Studies to assess the Impact of arsenic pollution not

only in Obuasi but also in Prestea, Konongo, Bibiani, and

Tarkwa have been carried out. Amasa